Justin Guerra’s Advice

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?Location, distance from home, and hours of work.

What are some important things to know for the interview, etc.?Be polite. Be respectful. Dress nice.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?It helped me gain experience and learn what is expected in a workplace

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Have a positive attitude. You might not get hired with the first 5 or even 10 applications, but stay in there. Good things happen to those who wait.

Austin’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
My older brother worked for a man that my dad works with and still does, my brother worked for him for many years and decided to quit because he found a real job and he asked if I would take his place and after thinking about it, I did.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?You should be careful on the type of job like if you want to make smoothies for a job than you should make sure that they have a good business report and would be in the right level for you to be working in.

What are some important things to know for the interview, etc.?Make sure that you are going to be able to answer the questions given without thinking about them for a while, and speak clearly so they know who there hiring.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?I found that as I got older you are able to interact with that person easier and are able to get the job done and right to make that person happier, and the more work that you do may be hard but after words it would have really been worth it. As you get older you’ll be able to find better ways to spend and more importantly save the money you have made.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?I would definitely try to find a job some where close to home and as you work try to interact with the person you are working with and be positive!

Clorissa’s Advice

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?Don’t give out your information without permission, and if your only a teen, bring an adult with you. Another important thing to remember is body language.

What are some important things to know for the interview, etc.?You should know a lot about the job before you go into it because it might be something you are not capable of.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?It taught me some responsibility.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Use good body language and stay in school for any job/career you want. Trust me, school gets you really far in life.

George S.’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
Pure luck! My mother was working at a bookstore, and the director of this firm purchased the exact stack of books that I had purchased the previous week. My mother commented on the coincidence, the man offered his business card, and the following week, I had an interview.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?Have an open mind!

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Remember the motto of the British Special Air Services: PROPER PLANNING PREVENTS PISS POOR PERFORMANCE. Plan ahead, get there early, and know what you’re walking into.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Even though I will never pursue engineering, the skills I learned at the firm have taught me to think visually, spatially, and mathematically.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?HAVE CONFIDENCE! DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS! THERE ARE NO “STUPID QUESTIONS”

Karyn’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
I spoke to people at a locally owned little restaurant

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?Location (since being on time is really important, and as a teenager I didn’t have my own car when I got my first job) Location (since being on time is really important, and as a teenager I didn’t have my own car when I got my first job) Impressions are really important, dress appropriately, and if you are going to inquire about a job, timing is important…so at a restaurant don’t ask to talk to a manager about a job during a really busy Friday night. When filling out an application make sure you write very carefully (best hand writing and no mistakes).

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Have some knowledge about the company you want to work at, be ready for them to ask you popular questions (like identify a weakness) and be prepared to frame your answers in a way that puts a good spin on it. Also it’s a good idea to think about what question(s) you might want to ask them, because many employers will ask you if you have questions. Punctuality is essential – don’t be late…especially for an interview or your first day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Learning how to work with people, and in a restaurant serving people, gave me an understanding for the food business that I still find useful today. When the money you make is directly affected by the work of other people (tips aren’t so good when things are going wrong) you learn to pitch in and help wherever you can. I also think it helped me to multitask and have a good memory, I would suggest that everyone works in the food service industry at some point, it’s a good experience.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Do your homework, look around, and be prepared for it not to be what you expect. People have an average of 7 job changes in their lives, so your first job is most likely not going to be your last. Try to stick it out, and remember that your experiences (good or bad) will follow you when you leave.

Sam Blum’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
I went out and filled out a bunch of applications. Cold Stone called me first, so I took it.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?Keep an open mind.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Don’t be nervous. If you’ve gotten the interview, or it’s your first day, your employer thinks you can take on the job. Stay confident, be friendly, and most importantly, be yourself.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?My co-workers have become my great friends. It was my first “adult” experience, as I was able to take on new challenges, try new things, and have a great time making money.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Apply everywhere you can, you can always turn someone down. I got my job before my first paycheck, but if I was first looking now, Myfirstpaycheck.com would be a really great place to start.

Nita’s Advice

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?find people you can trust and display good work ethic themselves

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
relax, dress nice but comfortably, smile, lean forward, shake hands, be pleasant

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?I love kids and liked finding work involving children… I got a good recommendation too.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Find work that you like so you look forward to going to work.

Lois’ Advice

How did you find that first job?
My friends and I were mall rats. Most of us had jobs at various stores in the mall so we knew the managers and other employees.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?What kind of person do you want to work for? What kind of people do you want to work with?

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Know where you need to go and how to get there, know the dress code, ask questions when you don’t know something.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?The networking I did from that job helped me get jobs for the next four years (even in another city when I went away to college). I still use the networking skills I gained at that job.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Be okay starting at the bottom and working your way up…almost everyone has to do it. Have fun with your job and have fun with the people you work with.

Alberto’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
I decided to get a job last summer, and I applied to Acme online. They called me back several weeks later.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?Employers love to here from you. If you apply, wait a week, and then call them back “regarding your application”, it let’s them know that you are confident and assertive. Don’t, however, take this to the extreme and call the day after you apply.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Interview etiquette is pretty straight forward. Be polite, but make sure they know they can’t take advantage of you. Make sure you fully understand the job guidelines as well as the salary you are going to receive.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?If you’re looking for a summer job: -apply early and to many different places, because EVERYBODY is applying at the same time. I recommend starting in March or April. I waited, and I missed about a month of the summer going through the process instead of making money. -Pretty much nobody except beaches and pools wants a worker who will only stay for the summer. They won’t hire you unless you commit for at least through the fall.

Doug’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
I looked on www.myfirstpaycheck.com. Just kidding! That website was just a glimmer in the eye of a bunch of Lavins at that time. The truth is that a kid on my basketball team was quitting and so I took his spot when he left.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?Make sure that the job will help you achieve some definite goals, whether they be developing new skills, gaining experience, making money, or whatever. Try to get a job where you are surrounded by a good team of people that will help you and encourage you.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Bring phone numbers for your references. I always forget that one!

How has that job helped you as you grow older?
Being a gas pumper at Sunoco? Hmmm. It’s made me want to ride a bicycle everywhere I go. That’s good, right?

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Go for the gusto. Be bold. Be Sincere.

Max’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
I was walking around and saw a help wanted sign

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?To be open and not to critical

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Be polite, neat, respectful, and try to not to be nervous and freak out

How has that job helped you as you grow older?
My first job I had a boss who was a an incredibly unhappy person who was always riding me and my fellow employees, working there helped me learn to deal with that kind of situation.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Don’t be to critical, never feel trapped, never work for an establishment that treats you terribly dont be afraind to stick up for yourself

AL in DC’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
The easy way, I got a job at my father’s office when I was 16 year old.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?It is important to come to an interview ready to ask questions. Now that I am in a position to hire people, much of my evaluation of candidates’ question about the company and the job.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Before you start ask questions about dress code. Don’t make the mistake of dressing at the lower end of the dress code. Your dress tells your colleagues a great deal about how seriously you take yourself and your job.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?
I was lucky that in my first few jobs I worked for people who felt it was their responsibility to teach me good skills and habits. My first boss told me that I should begin to straighten my desk when the clock struck 5 o’clock and not a moment before. I should actively work and not appear to be waiting to race from the office.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Keeping knocking on doors. Job hunting is depressing and discouraging until the day you get the job. You forget the tough times immediately.

Susan Kilborn’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
I was in the library alot and asked if they needed summer help.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?Try to think what you like to do most and try to get a job doing that or around other people who are doing it in a support capacity. Persistence is almost always a winner. Keep checking back, dropping by and emailing the place where you really WANT to work. Once you get a job there, ask for help. Ask for feedback. Ask for more responsibility if you see an opportunity for it. Work and SMILE.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
I jumped the gun and answered this one up above.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?
I still love libraries.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?Ask questions. Try to learn something about the place where you work before you get there. such as asking for the roster of personnelle so you can start learning the names of the people who work there. Volunteer for work if you don’t have anything to do. Don’t just sit there!

Steve in Seattle’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
I teamed up with a buddy and we brought squeegee’s and soap and a bucket to an outdoor strip mall and told each store that we were real experienced, and finally an art store hired us on a regular basis. I think we got a couple more stores, and after a couple weeks we actually got pretty good at window washing.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?If you depend on walking or bicycling, or the bus or mom & dad to drive you, consider the convenience of the place you are selecting. Pay attention to the workers already there who you might have to work with. You might ask them, without letting the boss hear you, how long they have worked there, and do they like it. If you sense that three or four people have recently left, and that everyone there is somewhat new, then the “turn over” is high, and the boss might be a grouch, or expect more work out of you than what the job desciption says.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Well, I am no longer a teen. But I was a teen once. I would suggest making a great first impression on the one in charge of hiring you. Give them eye contact and a firm handshake, and try not to look down like you are shy or frightened, even if you are. If they ask your name, say it clearly as though you are proud of your name. And yes, dress a bit fancier than what will be expected if hired. You can always roll up your sleeves when they get comfortable with you, but if you start out dressed too casual, it is hard to become more formal at that point. The hardest part of an interview in your situation might be if your future boss decides to engage you in small talk, such as, “How about those Eagles?” or…”What music do you listen to?” It can get tricky, but just be aware in advance that you might have to say something about sports or music or a certain movie or TV show. I would advise you to pretend to first take interest in what team or TV show your future boss likes, then agree with their taste, or say, “My parents like the same thing you do.” It is less about what you answer, than how. Grown-ups just want to feel like their teen employees will be able to carry on an intelligent conversation, and not steal from them. If the interviewer says anything that seems the slightest bit inappropiate or too personal, remember not everything is their business, and it would be best to politely excuse yourself and look for work elsewhere.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?Regardless of your age, the bottom line is you are costing your boss money if you get hired. They have something you want, or need, and it pays to smile and be respectful to them.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?If you are handed a job application, offer three or more “character” references, as you will not yet have any job references. The best character references come from local business owners, politicians, priests, rabbis, and ministers, who are well established. Perhaps you are regular customers at a local grocery store, car repair place, or nursery, and have gone in with your mother or father, or friend. Or a dentist, or alderman is your neighbor, and you go to school with their kids. You can ask them permission to put their name and business/occupation and number down on your job application. It really “beefs it up,” and, again, gives the impression you are honest, not spacy, and won’t take drugs…the stuff older folks who own businesses have concerns about when they think “teen.”

Ari S’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
All I did was walk around town and look for “Help Wanted” signs. When you see them, I went into the store and asked for an application.

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?

Location: It has to be easy and cheap for you to get to.

Your Commitment: You have to know how much time you are able to work and be honest about it.

Your Capability: Can you see yourself working at the place you are applying? Meaning is it over your head or not, and are you able to stand doing it You don’t have to like it, but that would be a plus. Also, when you go to ask for an application it would be great if you did not look like a slob. First impressions are key.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Once again, don’t look like a slob when you go to the interview. If you feel like it, dress up a little…it never hurts. And for the first day (and maybe even first month) don’t get hung up on little things that you mess up. You’re new, you’ll be corrected, and then you move on.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?The Cheese Company has been a great experience for me. In fact, I’m still there (I’ve only been there for a year though). I do everything from sales, to inventory, to janitor…ing. I have met a lot of people and learned about many things, not all of which are about cheese.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?

If you are applying for the summer, don’t wait until the end of school.

Most places will require working papers, so get those from your school’s main office or guidance office.

Be practical about where you are going to work

Not to sound too lame, but try to have a little fun with it…if that’s at all possible.

Mark’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
The assistant coach to my high school swim team worked there.
What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?

Find a job that you can get to without relying on someone else.

It’s your first job, not a career. So, although it’s always best to do something interesting, don’t sweat it if it’s not.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?

Interview:

Be serious, but also yourself at the interview. They’re usually more interested in whether you’ll fit in than whether you know how to do the job, especially when we’re talking first job-type stuff like cashier, line cook, etc.

Dress to impress. You should be dressed about one notch fancier than what you would actually wear to the job.

First day:

Show up early. It shows you’re responsible and gives you time to get the lay of the land.

Dress to impress. Just like #2 above. It shows you’re serious. You can dress down on your second or third day.

Employment:

Remember, the reason it’s called work and it’s something you’re paid to do is because it’s not always fun. Even rock stars hate their jobs some days.
How has that job helped you as you grow older?
Teaching is actually something I’ve done on and off ever since my first job. So I guess that I lucked out and found something that I really enjoy doing.
What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?
Pound the pavement and don’t be disappointed if you get turned down the first few times.

Ari’s Advice

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?
As a teen? Get as much money as you can because anything you do will be fairly dull.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Make sure you are clean and well dressed, always be enthusiastic about everything

How has that job helped you as you grow older?
Back then I learned how to deal with customers and today, I still deal with them, only now, I call them clients.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?
At this young age, follow the money.

Ronn’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
I walked in and asked them if they hired 14-year-olds (Nowhere else did)

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?
Are you going to be able to be cheerful at the job? How badly do you need the money? Could you get something better? Remember, this isn’t a career.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Try to seem independent, despite being dependent on your parents. Just act intelligent. A place like McDonalds doesn’t care about your skills or anything.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?
I know I never want to work as a cashier. I value money in terms of hours of McDonalds work now.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?
Your best bet as someone with no experience is to get a job through a relative.

Josh’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
A friend of mine was doing it, and I asked him how I could get involved

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?
You’ve got to be realistic about logistics, including how many hours you can work (and want to work). It’s nice to make money, but you if you spend all of your time in school and then at work, you’re going to miss out on a lot of enjoyment. Remember, the older you get, the more you end up working and you have less time for yourself.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Take everything seriously. Employers look for maturity and a sense of responsibility.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?
As a referee you take a lot of criticism, no matter how good you are. It was important for me to learn how to take criticism (even though it may not be constructive). I also learned to stay confident in the face of criticism.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?
Find something you like to do or are interested in and see if there is any way to get paid while being involved in it. For me, I loved playing soccer, so I looked for ways to get paid while being around the game. If you get into the habit of working for money, you will always just be working for money. But if you get into the habit of getting paid for doing what you like to do, you will end up much happier.

Austin’s Advice

How did you find that first job?
Went to neighbors who I knew, talked to my parents friends, friend’s parents, anywhere where I could walk
What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?
It’s important to find something that you enjoy because it’ll make working easier. I liked being outside and having control of my own hours so landscaping was never hard.
What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
Show them that you want the job, and be capable of your own abilities. Most kids have worked in some capacity; babysitting, petsitting, yardwork, etc. remember that you are capable of handling the responsibility, and than make sure you do a good job.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?
It helped me get the next job and the job after. I was able to take on a big landscaping project for a neighbor and a friend that involved multiple days and hiring my brothers, but I knew I could do the job, and I could it cheaper than a professional landscaper. I was also able to use that experience to obtain my first salaried position, at a plant nursery.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?
Be persistent. If you aren’t getting rejected, you’re not trying hard enough.

Nick’s Advice

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?
It’s important to remember how the expenses of getting to the job, etc, are going to effect the amount of $ you take home – for example, one place may pay more than another, but it’s so far away that the expenses of the commute kind of even the salaries out.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
If you act like you don’t want to be there, you’re not going to be there for long.

How has that job helped you as you grow older?
It’s helped me realize that I never want another job that requires me to answer phones with the same line, all day long.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for his or her first job?
You’re probably not going to get a job that you actually like – welcome to the world of work.

Bracha’s Advice

How did you earn that first job?
I knew a friend that had started there so i was able to get an interview

What are some important things to remember when looking for/selecting a job?
It’s important to know how you’ll get there and back every shift, if you will be able to work the number of hours you want, if you will be able to make “enough” money, how the boss is, how the staff is, the perks, etc.

What are some important things to know for the interview, first day, and for being employed in general (possibly for the first time)?
It’s important to present yourself well, which usually means dressing up a little bit, not chewing gum, cell phone off. It’s important to maintain open communication so if you have a question about the first day, or any day, that you ask your supervisor. Better to ask than to try to figure it out yourself

How has that job helped you as you grew older?
It helped me get my second job, which helped me get my third job, etc. also, I think that at some point everyone should work in the service industry (retail, restaurants, theme parks) because even though people can get rude, if you can handle the crowd you can handle any assignment further down the line.

What piece of advice would you offer somebody today looking for their first job?
Use any connections from friends or family members that you might have (or websites that cater to first time employees!), don’t get discouraged if not everyone is hiring, or they do not hire you. Find the places that are hiring, drop off applications, ask when you should expect a call, and follow up by that time by calling to talk to the manager.